Trends of international graduate programs in higher education institutions under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of University Affairs in the next decade B.E. 2543-2552
Abstract:
To analyze trends on concepts, objectives, key elements, management, administration and quality of graduates of international graduate programs in higher education institutions under the Ministry of University Affairs in the next decade B.E. 2543-2552 (A.D. 2000-2009), utilizing the Ethnographic Delphi Futures Research Technique. It was found that the trends of international graduate programs in higher education institutions under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of University Affairs in the next decade B.E. 2543-2552 are as follows: Concepts: International graduate programs would stress internationally recognized quality with clear and specific directions, target group, and guidelines for quality control. Objectives: Personnel of Thai higher education institutions would be developed and upgraded to meet the international standard. Students' academic capability would have to be comparable with international requirements. Internationalzation would be in focus to enable institutions to adapt to changes of the borderless world, and to have exchanges of experience and advancement in research. Such development would result in an increased role of Thai people in the international forums while numbers of Thais studying abroad would be minimized. Key elements: Institutions would see more international students and lecturers, international standard curriculums and wider use of foreign languages as mediums of instruction such as English. Extra curricular activities, atmosphere and management would also be international in nature. Educational management: Curriculums, multi-disciplinary in nature, would be constantly developed to better serve the needs of students. Students would search for knowledge by themselves from numerous sources, be able to keep abreast of modern technology, be strengthen interactions between students and lectures. Lectures must be specialized in the field and have increased interacitons with their lecturers. Lecturers on the other hand, would be well-specialized, more competent in English, obtain doctoral degrees from recognized institutions, have widened vision and knowledge of current international events. Educational systems would become more flexible with different teaching approaches adopted, emphasizing on building up students' thinking abilities. Student selection criteria would be improved to be of international standard through the use of interview. Various assessment and evaluation methods would be employed. Administration pertaining to budget, personnel and facilities would be based on maximum utilization of existing resources of institutions with effectiveness and flexibility. Graduate quality: Graduates would acquire academic competence of internation standard, have broadened perspectives, be adaptable to advanced technology, be able to work at the international level, and communicate in foreign languages especially English.